There are many reasons why a car owner may decide to switch insurance companies. Whether you are looking for a different type of service, moving out of state, or purchasing a new vehicle, finding a new insurance company can be a relatively easy process. If you are considering switching your insurance company, here is a comprehensive guide:

Decide What Type of Insurance You Need

When switching to a new insurance company , it is important to decide what type of car insurance will best meet your needs. With Liability Insurance, you will be protected in the event of an accident where you are at fault. Other types of insurance include Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Personal Injury Protection, which will cover any damages to you, your vehicle, and anyone involved in an accident with your vehicle.

Provide Sufficient Notice

Depending on your insurance company and policy, you may need to provide written notice of your cancellation. Check your policy to see if you will need to pay a cancellation fee or if you are allowed to cancel at any time. Typically, providing a written notice at least four weeks before you plan to cancel will give you enough time to pay your final bill with your previous company before you switch to your new plan.

Ensure That There is No Gap in Coverage

Every driver is required by law to be covered by car insurance. When you switch insurance companies, make sure that there will be no gap in your insurance coverage. If there is a gap in your insurance coverage, you may be labeled as a high-risk applicant. This can raise your premium and increase your overall insurance costs.

At Michael J’s Body Shop, we have direct relationships with many of the car insurance companies in the San Jose area . If your vehicle is in need of collision repair or body work, we will work with your insurance company to ensure that you have a great experience at our shop. To learn more about our collision repair services in the Bay Area, call (408) 279-2070.

When you hit the road this summer, it is important to protect your car from heat and sun damage. To care for your car’s exterior this summer, polish your paint regularly and park in a covered area whenever possible. Also, make sure that your fluids, belts, and hoses are in good condition, and that your tires are properly inflated. For a closer look at how to take care of your car this summer, watch this short video clip.

This summer, trust your car care to Michael J’s Body Shop . Our expert collision repair and auto body shop will keep your car looking great during the hot summer months. To make an appointment at our Bay Area or San Jose locations, call us at (408) 279-2070 or contact us online.

Summer is just around the corner, and the warm summer months provide many opportunities to hit the road inside your vehicle. While the summer offers fun and enjoyment for automobile owners, excessive heat and the sun’s rays can also cause damage to your vehicle. Here are some ways to keep your vehicle free of damage this summer:

Keep Your Vehicle out of the Sun

The exterior paint and interior surfaces of your vehicle are vulnerable to damage caused by the sun’s rays. UV rays can cause your vehicle’s paint to fade and can create premature wear and cracks on your upholstery. To prevent sun damage, you should park in the shade whenever possible. Additionally, carry a sun shield for your windshield to prevent sun damage and overheating inside your vehicle.

Wash Regularly

Dirt, dust, and debris from the road can cause damage to your vehicle’s wax and paint. To prevent damage to the exterior of your vehicle, wash your vehicle regularly with soap and warm water . After you wash, be sure to apply a coat of soft wax. Wax will keep your vehicle looking shiny and fresh, and will protect your paint from scratches and other damage.

Practice Defensive Driving

Many motorists take the summer as an opportunity to go on longer road trips. If you will be out on the road this summer, be sure to practice safe and defensive driving techniques. By driving carefully, you can prevent a collision and keep your car free of any unsightly external damage that requires repair.

For more helpful summer car care tips, contact Michael J’s Body Shop. We serve the San Jose and Bay Area with our expert collision repair services , and our friendly technicians will use state-of-the-art equipment to keep your vehicle in top condition. To make an appointment for body work or repairs at our body shop, call us at (408) 279-2070.

Driving a car with tires that are old or low on tread is extremely dangerous, especially on wet roads. To find out if it’s time to replace your tires, and why it’s important to do so at the right auto repair shop , visit the following websites.

Auto body repair shops use hundreds of terms to describe different car-repair parts and techniques. Before you visit a body shop, it helps to know some of the most common terms that the technicians will be using. Read this article to learn some useful auto body repair terminology.

Adjuster

When you call your auto insurance company after a collision, they will refer you to an adjuster. This person is a representative for the company that investigates the details of the accident and determines how the company is going to settle the insurance claim.

ASE-Certified

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a non-profit organization that certifies automotive technicians. In order to earn ASE certification, a car repair technician must prove that he or she has several years of experience and must pass a series of rigorous technical exams.

Clear-Coat

That glossy look that you see on a new car is achieved by a clear, urethane-based paint called a clear-coat. After repairing a car, an auto body shop will apply one or more layers of clear-coat to make it look like it just rolled off the showroom floor instead of the garage.

OEM Parts

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is the type of parts that you should insist on for your car when it is being repaired or serviced. These parts are tested and built by the manufacturer for your specific vehicle, guaranteeing that they fit and perform as expected.

Total Loss

When the total estimated cost to repair a vehicle exceeds the vehicle’s estimated value, the car is considered a “total loss” by the insurance company. The estimated repair cost usually includes the cost of all repairs and a rental, while the value of the vehicle refers to its salvage value.

If your car has been in a collision recently, come to Michael J’s Body Shop of San Jose. For over 20 years we have provided the Bay Area with quality repairs for a great value. Call us at (408) 279-2070 for more information about our state-of-the-art collision repair facilities.